Sulphur prepares for centennial celebration

SULPHUR, LA (KPLC) - Sulphur's start was a humble, small mining community. Now, the city is about to celebrate 100 years of growth.

"My mother and father moved me here when I was two and I know they were friends with a lot of people where their homes were in the mine area," said Chair of Sulphur Centennial Celebration, Dianne Dronet.

The city now has a population of more than 20,000 people.

"You used to be able to go into the grocery store and know everybody there," said Sulphur Mayor, Chris Duncan. "Now, there are a lot of new people in the grocery store and we're a growing community here in Sulphur."

Dronet has lived in Sulphur her entire life.

"There's all the changes from the dirt roads to the old post office to now a vibrant city," said Dronet.

Now she plays a big role in next week's Sulphur Centennial Celebrations.

"We began meeting about 11 months ago, trying to make this one of the biggest events we've ever seen," said Dronet. "After all, it's a once in a lifetime opportunity for many of us."

With events to plan, comes a look at Sulphur's history.

"The circus used to come to town all the time and right here in front, you used to have the giraffes and elephants and everything come right down the road," said Duncan.

Herman Frasch is also due some thanks. He's considered the founding father of the city.

"He was the one who was able to extract the sulphur out of the sulphur mines with a unique process he invented," said Duncan.

Even through 100 years of changes, Dronet said it's still a community with a hometown feel.